As students head back to classrooms across the Upper Valley, WISE’s Prevention and Education Program (PEP) team is preparing for another year of helping young people build healthy relationships, feel safe, and create thriving communities. In Lebanon, this work has been part of the school community for nearly three decades, reflecting WISE’s long-standing commitment to supporting students, educators, and families through prevention education.
Nearly 30 years ago, longtime Lebanon High School health teacher Les Lawrence, now retired, invited WISE into the classroom to begin conversations about healthy relationships and violence prevention. That partnership helped lay the foundation for the work WISE continues in Lebanon schools today, and we remain grateful for his commitment to generations of students.
For many schools, WISE programming begins before the school year is fully underway when our educators attend school open houses. Open houses provide an opportunity to connect with students, and also with parents, teachers, and administrators. Building relationships with caring adults is an important part of prevention, helping ensure the messages students hear in the classroom are reinforced by the adults who support them every day. Early classroom visits allow Prevention Educators to become a familiar, trusted part of students’ routines from the very first weeks of school. Establishing these connections early helps students know that WISE is a supportive resource they can turn to throughout the year.
Every stage of childhood presents new opportunities for learning. In kindergarten, lessons focus on everyday routines while naturally introducing concepts such as personal space, boundaries, and asking for permission. As students move through elementary school, they continue building emotional awareness, empathy, communication skills, and respect for others. These are foundational skills that strengthen friendships and create more inclusive classrooms.
As students grow older, the conversations evolve with them. Middle school programming explores personal values, peer relationships, digital communication, and navigating increasing independence. In high school, students engage in thoughtful discussions about healthy relationships, consent, respect, and the role each of us plays in creating safer communities. Their curiosity, willingness to ask questions, and thoughtful engagement with challenging topics continue to inspire our educators.
Prevention extends beyond the classroom. WISE is grateful for its partnership with the CCBA After School Program, where our educators continue conversations about healthy friendships, kindness, inclusion, and respect in a fun, engaging environment. Our presence in these programs reinforces prevention messages while strengthening connections with young people and their families in the Lebanon community. Whether we are connecting with families at school open houses, in after-school programs, or at community events, these relationships help create a consistent network of support for young people.
At WISE, we believe violence prevention is a valuable part of education. Healthy relationship skills, like math or reading, are learned over time through age-appropriate lessons that build on one another year after year. Each conversation strengthens understanding, reinforces positive behaviors, and equips young people with practical skills they can use every day in school, at home, online, and throughout their lives.
Prevention is most effective when it is consistent, visible, and rooted in community. Whether we are in a kindergarten classroom, a middle school health class, a summer camp, or a community event, our goal is the same: to help create communities where everyone experiences safety, respect, and belonging.
As another school year begins, we are grateful for our partnerships with schools, educators, families, and community organizations across the Upper Valley. Together, we are helping young people build confidence, compassion, and relationship skills that not only support their success today but also contribute to healthier, safer communities for generations to come.
We look forward to another year of learning, listening, and growing alongside the students and communities we serve.
